News

Burnley community centre takeover talk quashed

BURNLEY Council has denied rumours that the Terracefields Community Centre is due to be taken over as a business.

Head of corporate engagement Mike Waite visited the centre, now also known as Burnley Wood Community Centre, and had an informal meeting with residents.

They were concerned by rumours that the council was going to ‘hand over’ the building to a private company.

The meeting comes after the demolition of another near-by community centre which caused widespread protests.

Mr Waite said: “These rumours are not true. It is unsettling for volunteers at the community centre, and those who attend its activities, for these rumours to be promoted.

“The confirmed council position, which I am working on the basis of, is that the way forward is to establish a management committee for Burnley Wood Community Centre.

“The intention behind this is to ensure that the kind of positive community activities already being provided there by volunteers can continue into the future on a sustainable basis.

“This work is proceeding, and will shortly lead to a call for people from the local community and members of groups who meet at the centre to put themselves forward as possible committee members. The council is not considering or inviting any other options for the way forward for Burnley Wood Community Centre.”

The move comes following the demolition of another popular community centre in Burnley Wood last month.

More than 2,000 residents had signed a petition and staged a protest march calling for the centre in Glebe Street to be saved. The site was earmarked for demolition after plans to build houses in the area were approved last year.